Breaking: Bruins reunion with $5.82 million forward not ruled out despite strong interest from top rivals

Out of any of the pending free agents the Boston Bruins have hitting the open market this summer, Jake DeBrusk was always going to be the one that attracted the most interest from other clubs.

According to Toronto Star journalist Nick Kypreos, the Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly interested in DeBrusk’s services.

“The Leafs continue to look at all options when it comes to their top six forwards next season,” writes Kypreos. “There’s word they may have interest in pending Bruins free-agent Jake DeBrusk, who’s been a Leafs playoff killer over the years.”

Nick Alberga, host of Leafs Morning Take, confirmed Kypreos’ report, stating that DeBrusk has at least some “mutual interest” in joining Toronto.

DeBrusk, who has a reputation for being a streaky player during his tenure with the Bruins, will hit free agency for the first time this offseason after putting up 40 points and 19 goals in 2023-24.

Still, DeBrusk’s career high of 27 goals, which he tied in 2022-23, makes him an intriguing addition to a Maple Leafs team looking for a scorer.

As for the Bruins, they too, are hoping to add offense this offseason, and a reunion with DeBrusk has not been ruled out. With $23.86 million in cap space, according to Puckpedia, the Bruins have the funds available to make it happen as AFP Analytics projects DeBrusk to sign a five-year deal with an annual cap hit of $5.82 million.

However, considering DeBrusk’s inconsistent play throughout his career, the Bruins may be seeking to invest in a more dependable option.

If there was ever a cause to re-sign the 27-year-old, it was his performance in this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs, where he scored 11 points in 13 games for Boston. DeBrusk scored five points in the first round, helping the Bruins defeat the Maple Leafs in seven games as the two teams created another chapter in their long rivalry.

DeBrusk’s joining with Toronto would only exacerbate the rivalry between the two teams. Over the last 11 years, the Bruins and Maple Leafs have played four times in the playoffs, with Boston winning each series. The rivalry was put to rest last summer when the Maple Leafs signed Tyler Bertuzzi beneath the Bruins’ nose after they were unable to secure a long-term deal with the forward.

DeBrusk was drafted 14th overall by the Bruins in 2014 and has 266 points (138 goals) in 465 career games. He can sign with the Bruins, Maple Leafs, or any other team when NHL free agency begins on July 1.